Grades and Reaction to Milwaukee Bucks 103-102 Loss to Denver Nuggets
Milwaukee Bucks Grades: Starters
Tyler Ennis, B
7 Points | 3-4 FG | 0-0 FT | 0 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK |
Ennis has been beyond serviceable as a member of the starting lineup. The previous two games have seen the Bucks jump out to a big lead and it’s no coincidence that Ennis’ pace of play is a big reason why. He did make a pair of remarkably bad turnovers, and should look for his three-point shot more often. But hey, at least he’s holding down the fort admirably.
Khris Middleton, C
13 Points| 5-13 FG | 0-0 FT | 1 REB | 2 AST | 4 STL | 0 BLK |
I’m not ready to worry about his uninspiring field goal percentage nine games into the season. Nor will I wonder about his defense, which has been up and down (mostly up). I’m just going to sit here and reflect on the type of praise he would be getting right now if he calibrated his game-winning attempt an inch to the left.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, B-
12 Points | 6-12 FG | 0-0 FT | 7 REB | 5 AST | 0 STL | 2 BLK |
What a time we live in where a twelve point performance from Giannis feels like a slump. He gets big props for his late go-ahead basket. But he’s reverted to making the same mistakes that cost the team last season. Refs are wise to the Giannis game too, calling a ridiculous Emmanuel Mudiay flop an offensive foul. Please. I could get blindsided by an illegitimate child and still crumble less dramatically.
Johnny O’Bryant, A-
11 Points | 4-7 FG | 3-3 FT | 9 REB | 3 AST | 0 STL | 1 BLK |
Mr. Intangible. That’s been JOB’s calling card this entire season. He brought his trademark hustle to Denver, snagging an impressive four offensive rebounds. His go-ahead jumper late in the fourth quarter shows that he’s not going to shy away from a big moment. Oh, and his +19 led all players.
Greg Monroe, A
18 Points| 9-13 FG | 0-0 FT | 10 REB | 2 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK |
Just another double-double for Moose. It’s easy to jump on the “Monroe plays bad defense” train right now, but that sentiment is off-point. He hasn’t played great defense, sure. And the confusion on Faried’s put-back lay in was beyond costly. But the defensive mantle can’t rest on just one player’s shoulders. The entire team is struggling defensively, not just Monroe.
Next: Grades: Bench